In this section you will find an overview of the basic techniques and tools used for crocheting and for making granny squares. Use this section to refresh your memory on any of the basics if youve become a little rusty. Or if you are new to crochet, this is a good place to begin.
Granny squares can incorporate any crochet stitch. Along with the following guide to the stitches you may encounter, you will also find information about how crochet directions are written and how to interpret the stitch diagrams.
STITCHES
SLIP KNOT
Make a loop several inches from the end of the yarn, insert the hook through the loop, and catch the tail with the end (1). Draw the yarn through the loop on the hook (2). Pull on the tail to tighten the slip knot around the hook.
CHAIN
After the slip knot, start your chain. Wrap the yarn over the hook (yarn over) and catch it with the hook. Draw the yarn through the loop on the hook. You have now made one chain. Repeat the process to make a row of chains. When counting chains, do not count the slip knot at the beginning or the loop that is on the hook.
SLIP STITCH
The slip stitch is a very short stitch, which is mainly used to join two pieces of crochet together when working in rounds. To make a slip stitch, insert the hook into the specified stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook, and then draw the yarn through the stitch and the loop already on the hook.
SINGLE CROCHET
Insert the hook into the specified stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook, and draw the yarn through the stitch so there are two loops on the hook (1). Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw the yarn through both loops (2). When working in single crochet, always insert the hook through both top loops of the next stitch, unless the directions specify front loop or back loop only.
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET
Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert the hook into the specified stitch, and wrap the yarn over the hook again. Draw the yarn through the stitch so there are three loops on the hook (1). Wrap the yarn over the hook and draw it through all three loops at once (2).
DOUBLE CROCHET
Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert the hook into the specified stitch, and wrap the yarn over the hook again. Draw the yarn through the stitch so there are three loops on the hook (1). Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through two of the loops so there are now two loops on the hook (2). Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through the last two loops (3).
TRIPLE CROCHET
Wrap the yarn over the hook twice, insert the hook into the specified stitch, and wrap the yarn over the hook again. Draw the yarn through the stitch so there are four loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again (1) and draw it through two of the loops so there are now three loops on the hook (2). Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through two of the loops so there are now two loops on the hook (3). Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through the last two loops (4).
DOUBLE TRIPLE CROCHET
Wrap the yarn over the hook three times, insert the hook into the specified stitch, and wrap the yarn over the hook again. Draw the yarn through the stitch so there are five loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through two of the loops so there are now four loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through two of the loops so there are now three loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through two of the loops so there are now two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through the last two loops.
WORKING THROUGH THE BACK LOOP
This creates a distinct ridge on the side facing you. Insert the hook through the back loop only of each stitch, rather than under both loops of the stitch. Complete the stitch as usual.
SINGLE CROCHET TWO STITCHES TOGETHER
This decreases the number of stitches in a row or round by one. Insert the hook into the specified stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook, and draw the yarn through the stitch so there are two loops on the hook. Insert the hook through the next stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook, and draw the yarn through the stitch so there are three loops on the hook (1). Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw the yarn through all the loops at once (2).